In grades 3-6, Washington Academy continues to provide small group instruction for its students with a student to teacher ratio as low as (3:1).
We recognize that each student has their own learning style, which is why we put smart boards in every classroom to provide a multi-sensory environment in order to meet the special needs of the students.
In addition, each student gets computer time in the classroom either through our COWS program (computers on wheels), which provides each student with an individual laptop.
For more information: COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY LINK
CURRICULUM
All students are exposed to our comprehensive curriculum, which is directly aligned to the State Standards. Thus the students will receive the same academic rigor they would within their own public school classroom.
Students in grade 3-6, will have a full academic schedule which includes, Math, Science, Literacy, Social Studies, Language Arts, Art and Technology.
PRE-ASSESSMENT/POST-ASSESSMENT
Every student that is enrolled in Washington Academy takes an assessment test in order to determine a base line of skill level. We then create an appropriate course of study designed with the teacher, Child Study Case Manager and the parent to meet the specific needs of the student.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES FIELD TRIP
At the end of every year, some of our students have the opportunity to experience an interactive science program in environmental studies, which is aligned with the State Standard 5.1. For more information: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PHOTO GALLERY
READING PROGRAM
Washington Academy has developed a strong reputation throughout the State for its unique and successful reading program.
Students enrolled in this program are exposed to individual and small group instruction in the foundations of literacy, the building blocks of reading, comprehension and critical thinking.
The reading program uses both teacher-to-student interaction as well as web-based assessment to track progress over the course of the year.
Many of our students over the years have started the reading program with limited reading skills and have by the time they left Washington Academy were confident and stronger readers.
Also students that have entered the reading program have seen improvement in other academic subjects as a result.
ART
Washington Academy believes that offering an art program is a key to academic and behavioral success in school. Through the art program students are given an opportunity to express themselves in a variety of different ways.
Students work with many types of materials from paint, clay, paper mache, tile, felt, paper and fabric in order to make projects. Students work both individually and collaboratively to foster group interaction and appropriate behavior.
The student’s work is proudly exhibited for parents, faculty, Child Study teams, and friends at our annual Spotlight.
SPOTLIGHT LINK
TECHNOLOGY
Washington Academy is committed to be on the cutting edge of technology in the classroom and providing each student with an opportunity to learn 21st Century skills that will be vital to their success in middle, high school and beyond.
Smart Boards: Each classroom has an interactive white board, which is wirelessly connected to the internet. Teachers have access to educationally appropriate material that is also aligned with State and National Standards in math, science, social studies and literacy.
COWS: The Computers on Wheels program provides a one-to-one initiative for students to work with individual laptops for a full 40 minute period several times a week.
Software Courses: Each student is exposed to business computer software, utilized in the 21st Century. Software such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint are taught, in addition to introducing our younger students to typing skills and improving typing speed and accuracy in the upper elementary grades.
Video Production: Washington Academy offers students the opportunity to work with professional digital video cameras and computer based linear editing software.
iPads: Students also have the opportunity to work with an iPad to increase proficiency in subject areas and also to expose them to multi-media programs and apps. Students will also have the opportunity through the iPad program to be able to be exposed to new music applications.
NJ STATE TESTING PREP
All students in Grades 3 through 8 are tested annually by the State of New Jersey with the NJ ASK test regardless of classification. (Some students may be eligible to be assessed through APA.)
As part of the regular weekly schedule, students will be exposed to the NJ ASK test, so that they can become familiar with the style of questions asked, the types of information being assessed and also developing test taking strategies.
The purpose of providing Test Prep is also to help students cope with the anxiety associated with taking standardized tests.